Beclomethasone/formoterol vs fluticasone/salmeterol inhaled combination in moderate to severe asthma.

BACKGROUND: Recommended treatment for moderate to severe asthma is the combination of an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta(2)-agonist. The present study was designed to compare a new fixed combination of extrafine beclomethasone and formoterol, with the fixed combination fluticasone and salmeterol. METHODS: This was a phase III, multinational, multicentre, double-blind, randomized, two-arm parallel groups, controlled study. After a 2-week run-in period, 228 patients with moderate to severe asthma were randomized to a 12-week treatment with either beclomethasone 100 microg plus formoterol 6 microg or fluticasone 125 microg plus salmeterol 25 microg, both delivered two inhalations b.i.d. via a pressurized metered dose inhaler. RESULTS: The analysis of noninferiority on the primary outcome, morning peak expiratory flow in the last 2 weeks of treatment, showed no difference between groups (difference -3.32 l/min; 95% CI -17.92 to 11.28). A significant improvement from baseline in lung function, symptom score and rescue medication use was observed in both groups at all time points. Beclomethasone plus formoterol combination showed a significantly faster onset of bronchodilation when compared with fluticasone plus salmeterol with the difference maintained for up to 1 h postdosing. No differences were observed between treatments in the rate of asthma exacerbations, frequency of adverse events and overnight urinary cortisol/creatinine ratio. CONCLUSIONS: The new combination of extrafine beclomethasone plus formoterol is not inferior to the marketed combination of fluticasone and salmeterol in terms of efficacy and tolerability, with the advantage of a faster onset of bronchodilation. ( ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00394368).

Airway mucosal inflammation in COPD is similar in smokers and ex-smokers: a pooled analysis.

Bronchial biopsy specimens from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients demonstrate increased numbers of CD8+ T-lymphocytes, macrophages and, in some studies, neutrophils and eosinophils. Smoking cessation affects the rate of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)) decline in COPD, but the effect on inflammation is uncertain. Bronchial biopsy inflammatory cell counts were compared in current and ex-smokers with COPD. A pooled analysis of subepithelial inflammatory cell count data from three bronchial biopsy studies that included COPD patients who were either current or ex-smokers was performed. Cell count data from 101 subjects, 65 current smokers and 36 ex-smokers, were analysed for the following cell types: CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes, CD68+ (monocytes/macrophages), neutrophil elastase+ (neutrophils), EG2+ (eosinophils), mast cell tryptase+ and cells mRNA-positive for tumour necrosis factor-alpha. Current smokers and ex-smokers were similar in terms of lung function, as measured by FEV(1) (% predicted), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV(1)/FVC. The results demonstrate that there were no significant differences between smokers and ex-smokers in the numbers of any of the inflammatory cell types or markers analysed. It is concluded that, in established chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the bronchial mucosal inflammatory cell infiltrate is similar in ex-smokers and those that continue to smoke.

Near-fatal asthma phenotype in the ENFUMOSA Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Near-fatal asthma (NFA) is characterized by severe asthma attacks usually requiring intensive care unit admission. This phenotype of asthma has been studied mainly in acute conditions. METHODS: The aim of our study was to compare the clinical, functional and inflammatory characteristics of NFA patients with mild to severe asthmatics in stable conditions. We recruited 155 asthmatic patients from five centres of the European Network for Understanding Mechanisms of Severe Asthma: 67 patients with mild-to-moderate asthma controlled by low/medium doses of inhaled corticosteroids; 64 with severe asthma that, despite treatment with high doses of inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta2-agonists and for 1/3 also with regular oral corticosteroids, had at least one asthma exacerbation in the previous year; 24 with an NFA episode in the previous 5 years in the absence of inclusion criteria for the previous groups. All the patients were examined in stable conditions. RESULTS: NFA patients were taking less corticosteroids and were less compliant to prescribed asthma medications than the other two groups of patients. Lung function, blood gases, atopic status, sputum and blood inflammatory cell count of NFA patients were similar to mild-to-moderate, but not severe, asthmatic patients. CONCLUSIONS: In stable conditions patients with an NFA attack in the previous 5 years cannot be distinguished from patients with mild-to-moderate asthma, while they are different from severe asthmatics both in terms of lung function and of airway inflammation. The risk factor that characterizes this group of patients is reduced usage of prophylactic corticosteroids.

Beclomethasone/formoterol versus budesonide/formoterol combination therapy in asthma.

The present study was designed to compare the fixed combination of beclomethasone and formoterol in a hydrofluoroalkane Modulite (Chiesi Farmaceutici, Parma, Italy) pressurised metered-dose inhaler (pMDI), with a combination of budesonide and formoterol administered via a Turbuhaler (AstraZeneca, Lund, Sweden) dry powder inhaler (DPI). This was a phase III, multinational, multicentre, double-blind, double-dummy, randomised, two-arm parallel groups, controlled study design. After a 2-week run-in period, 219 patients with moderate-to-severe asthma were randomised to a 12-week treatment with beclomethasone 200 microg plus formoterol 12 microg b.i.d. delivered via a pMDI or budesonide 400 microg plus formoterol 12 microg b.i.d. delivered via a DPI. The analysis of noninferiority on primary outcome, morning peak expiratory flow in the last 2 weeks of treatment, showed no difference between groups. A statistically significant improvement from baseline in lung function, symptoms and rescue medication use was observed in both groups at all time-points. No differences were observed between treatments in either rate of asthma exacerbations or frequency of adverse events. The new fixed combination of beclomethasone and formoterol in hydrofluoroalkane Modulite pressurised metered-dose inhaler is equivalent to the marketed combination of budesonide and formoterol in terms of efficacy and tolerability profile.

Rhinitis and asthma in athletes: an ARIA document in collaboration with GA2LEN.

This consensus document is aimed at reviewing evidence that the rhinitis-asthma links have peculiar features in athletes. Beside a review of epidemological data on the high prevalence of rhinitis and asthma in athletes, the effects on intense physical exercise on the immune system and repiratory functions are discussed, with special reference to the role of allergens and pollutants. In extending the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) recommendations to athletes, the issue is addressed of adapting diagnosis and management to criteria set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and regulations adopted by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Upregulation of basic fibroblast growth factor in smokers with chronic bronchitis.

The aim of the study was to investigate the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and its receptor, fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)-1, in the central airways of smokers with chronic bronchitis. The lobar bronchi from 17 subjects undergoing thoracotomy for solitary nodules were examined. All had a history of cigarette smoking, nine had symptoms of chronic bronchitis and airflow limitation, and eight were asymptomatic with normal lung function. Using immunohistochemical methods, bFGF and FGFR-1 expression in the total airway wall and the different airway compartments, i.e. bronchial glands, submucosal vessels and smooth muscle, was quantified. Moreover, to investigate the role of bFGF in angiogenesis, the number of submucosal vessels was quantified. Smokers with chronic bronchitis had an increased bFGF expression in the total airway wall compared with asymptomatic smokers, which was mainly due to bFGF upregulation in bronchial glands. By contrast, the expression of FGFR-1 and the number of submucosal vessels was similar in the two groups of subjects examined. In conclusion, smokers with chronic bronchitis have an increased expression of basic fibroblast growth factor in the central airways, which is mainly due to an increased expression in bronchial glands, suggesting the involvement of this growth factor in the pathogenesis of chronic bronchitis.

Variability of bronchial inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: implications for study design.

There is variability in the distribution of inflammatory cells in bronchial tissue in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Better strategies for biopsy sampling of the airway mucosa may improve the capacity to show a difference between study populations where variability in distribution exists. The current authors have examined sources of biological variability in the quantification of inflammatory cells in endobronchial biopsies using immunostained samples taken from 51 subjects with COPD, with a mean forced expiratory volume in one second of 1.71 L, 55% predicted. The distribution of variance contributed by different sources was similar for different inflammatory cell types. For CD8+ cells, a key inflammatory cell in COPD, the largest contribution to intra-subject variability (39%) was time (i.e. 10 weeks between biopsies of placebo-treated subjects), followed by airway generation (23%), biopsy (2.5%), zone (within section; 1.4%) and section (0.4%). Power calculations demonstrated that examining one section from one biopsy, from each of two airway generations, would require a sample size of 32 subjects per group to show a difference of one doubling or halving in CD8+ cells, compared with 47 subjects per group if only one airway generation was sampled. Therefore, biopsies from more than one airway generation should be examined in order to maximise statistical power to detect a difference between study groups.

Effects of low doses of inhaled fluticasone propionate on inflammation and remodelling in persistent-mild asthma.

In asthma a dysregulation of eosinophil apoptosis and an imbalance of metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) play an important role in airway inflammation and remodelling. We evaluated the effects of a low dose of inhaled fluticasone proprionate (FP) (100 microg bid by Diskus) for 4 weeks in 24 steroid naive patients with mild persistent asthma, symptomatic and with a sputum eosinophilia >or=3% on clinical outcomes and inflammatory markers such as the induced sputum eosinophils, the induced sputum apoptotic eosinophils, the levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 and their molar ratio in the induced sputum supernatants. After FP treatment forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and FEV1/forced vital capacity values, PEF (L/min), sputum apoptotic eosinophils, and MMP-9/TIMP-1 molar ratio in sputum supernatants of asthmatic subjects were significantly increased in comparison with baseline, while sputum eosinophils significantly decreased. Change (Delta) in FEV1 after treatment with FP negatively correlated with the Delta in sputum eosinophils, while the Delta in MMP-9 values positively correlated with Delta in TIMP-1 values. This study shows that the clinical improvement achieved by the use of low doses of FP in asthmatics is related, at least in part, to the resolution of eosinophilic inflammation and the downregulation of remodelling markers.

Muscarinic receptors, leukotriene B4 production and neutrophilic inflammation in COPD patients.

BACKGROUND: Acetylcholine (ACh) plays an important role in smooth muscle contraction and in the development of airway narrowing; preliminary evidences led us to hypothesize that ACh might also play a role in the development of airways inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: We evaluated the concentrations of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in induced sputum, and the expression of Ach M1, M2, and M3 receptors in sputum cells (SC) obtained from 16 patients with COPD, 11 smokers, and 14 control subjects. The SC were also treated with ACh and the production of LTB4 assessed in the presence or absence of a muscarinic antagonist (oxitropium). In blood monocytes, we evaluated LTB4 release and activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) pathway after treatment with Ach. RESULTS: The LTB4 concentrations were higher in COPD than in controls (P < 0.01) and correlated with the number of neutrophil (P < 0.01). The M3 receptors expression was increased in COPD subjects when compared to smokers and control (P < 0.05 and 0.0001, respectively), while M2 expression resulted decreased (P < 0.05 and 0.01). The ACh-induced LTB(4) production was observed in peripheral blood monocytes, and was sensitive to ERK inhibition. Similarly, ACh significantly increased neutrophil chemotactic activity and LTB4 released from SC of COPD patients only, and these effects were blocked by pretreatment with the inhibitor of ERK pathway PD98059. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained show that muscarinic receptors may be involved in airway inflammation in COPD subjects through ACh-induced, ERK1/2-dependent LTB4 release. Muscarinic antagonism may contribute to reduce neutrophil infiltration and activation in COPD.

Does leptin play a cytokine-like role within the airways of COPD patients?

The leptin-leptin receptor system might be up-regulated in the airways of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In bronchial biopsies obtained from normal subjects and smokers, with and without COPD, the present study examined leptin and leptin-receptor expression and their co-localisation in airway and inflammatory cells. Combining immunohistochemistry with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labelling techniques, apoptosis in airway and inflammatory cells and in leptin and leptin-receptor expressing cells was investigated. In the epithelial cells both leptin and leptin-receptor expression was higher in normal subjects than in smokers and COPD subjects. By contrast, in the sub-mucosa, leptin was over-expressed in COPD when compared with normal subjects and smokers. Leptin and its receptor were co-localised, mainly with activated T cells (CD45R0) and CD8+ T lymphocytes. In smokers, apoptosis was found in some inflammatory cells, whereas in COPD inflammatory cells, leptin and leptin-receptor positive cells were not apoptotic. Leptin expression was related to COPD severity and assessed using the Global initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease classification. In conclusion, the present study shows an increased leptin expression in bronchial mucosa of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, associated with airway inflammation and airflow obstruction.

Standard skin prick testing and sensitization to inhalant allergens across Europe--a survey from the GALEN network.

Skin prick testing (SPT) is the standard method for diagnosing allergic sensitization but is to some extent performed differently in clinical centres across Europe. There would be advantages in harmonizing the standard panels of allergens used in different European countries, both for clinical purposes and for research, especially with increasing mobility within Europe and current trends in botany and agriculture. As well as improving diagnostic accuracy, this would allow better comparison of research findings in European allergy centres. We have compared the different SPT procedures operating in 29 allergy centres within the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA(2)LEN). Standard SPT is performed similarly in all centres, e.g. using commercial extracts, evaluation after 15-20 min exposure with positive results defined as a wheal >3 mm diameter. The perennial allergens included in the standard SPT panel of inhalant allergens are largely similar (e.g. cat: pricked in all centres; dog: 26 of 29 centres and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus: 28 of 29 centres) but the choice of pollen allergens vary considerably, reflecting different exposure and sensitization rates for regional inhalant allergens. This overview may serve as reference for the practising doctor and suggests a GA(2)LEN Pan-European core SPT panel.

Reduced apoptosis of memory T-cells in the inner airway wall of mild and severe asthma.

Effector memory T-cells (CD45RO+) may provide pro-inflammatory signals that contribute to the persistent airway inflammation that is characteristic of asthma, and reduced apoptosis of these cells may prolong their effects. The present authors compared apoptosis of CD45RO+ T-cells in the inner airway wall in nonfatal asthma (n = 7), fatal asthma (n = 7) and control (n = 8) cases. Apoptotic cells were identified using both the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dNTP nick end-labelling (TUNEL) technique and cell morphology. The percentage of CD45RO+ T-cells that were apoptotic was significantly greater in control cases compared with nonfatal and fatal cases of asthma, respectively, in small (42+/-19, 16+/-9, 7+/-6%), medium (40+/-12, 15+/-11, 12+/-8%) and large airways (42+/-15, 23+/-18, 18+/-12%). The reduction in the percentage of apoptotic CD45RO+ cells in the cases of asthma was observed in both blood vessels and the interstitium in large airways. In conclusion, these data suggest that reduced apoptosis may prolong the active life of effector memory T-cells in the airways. It is possible that survival signals may be received before cells migrate into the interstitium of the inner airway wall.

Small airways function and molecular markers in exhaled air in mild asthma.

BACKGROUND: Several studies suggest that the periphery of the lung is the major site of inflammation in asthma. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (Feno) and 8-isoprostane have been proposed as biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. We therefore hypothesised that small airway dysfunction in asthma is of inflammatory origin that can be detected by molecular markers in exhaled air. To test this hypothesis, we examined the relationship of Feno and 8-isoprostane in exhaled air with small airways function as assessed by the single breath nitrogen test. METHODS: Sixteen patients (14 women) with mild atopic asthma (forced expiratory volume in 1 second >80% predicted) of mean (SD) age 23.0 (5.5) years participated in a cross sectional study. Feno was recorded by chemiluminescence and 8-isoprostane was measured by ELISA in concentrated exhaled breath condensate. The slope of phase III (deltaN2) and the closing volume (CV) were assessed from the single breath washout curve. RESULTS: The median Feno level was 30.4 ppb (range 10.1-82.8), the median 8-isoprostane concentration in exhaled breath condensate was 2.2 pg/ml (range 1.6-2.7), and the mean (SD) deltaN2 value was 1.1 (0.4)% N2/l. Feno was positively associated with deltaN2 (r(s) = 0.54, p = 0.032) while 8-isoprostane was inversely correlated with FEV1% predicted (rs= -0.58; p = 0.017) and CV as a percentage of vital capacity (rs= 0.58; p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Feno and 8-isoprostane in exhaled air are associated with small airways function in mild asthma. This suggests that these markers reflect small airway inflammation and favours a role for them as disease markers that is complementary to spirometry in the monitoring of patients with asthma.

Biochemical interaction between effects of beclomethasone dipropionate and salbutamol or formoterol in sputum cells from mild to moderate asthmatics.

BACKGROUND: Several in vitro studies demonstrate that corticosteroids and long-acting beta(2) agonists may have a complementary and synergistic mode of action on the inflammatory processes in asthma. METHODS: Sputum was induced in 20 mild to moderate asthmatic patients and the induced sputum cells (ISC) were cultured with beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) 10(-7) M, salbutamol 10(-8) M and formoterol 10(-8) M either alone or in combination, BDP plus salbutamol and BDP plus formoterol, for 24 h. We measured the levels of growth macrophages-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), released on activation normal T cells expressed and activated (RANTES) and interleukin-8 (IL-8), in the supernatant of stimulated cells by ELISA. Furthermore, we assessed nuclear translocation of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and the expression of beta(2) receptor in ISC by immunofluorescence and RT-PCR, respectively. RESULTS: The release of GM-CSF, RANTES and IL-8 in ISC was significantly reduced by BDP plus salbutamol or formoterol as compared with either drug alone (P < 0.0001). beta(2) receptor expression was increased after 30 min of incubation with BDP and continued to increase over a time period of 4 h (P < 0.0001). Furthermore after 30 min of incubation, nuclear translocation of GR was greater with BDP plus salbutamol or formoterol than with any of the drugs alone (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The present ex vivo study demonstrates a complementary mode of action between BDP and salbutamol or formoterol leading to an enhanced anti-inflammatory activity.

Airway remodelling assessed by sputum and high-resolution computed tomography in asthma and COPD.

It is not known whether sputum elastase, metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and tissue-inhibitor metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 are related to structural changes of the airways, as assessed by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan. The relationships between these markers and the magnitude of structural changes of the airways in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were assessed. Induced sputum and HRCT scan were performed in 30 asthmatics (14 mild and 16 severe) and in 12 patients with COPD. A greater extent of HRCT scan abnormalities was found in COPD than in severe and mild asthmatics. HRCT scan abnormalities correlated with the degree of airway obstruction in COPD and in severe asthma. HRCT scan abnormalities also correlated with the levels of sputum elastase both in COPD and in severe asthma. HRCT scan abnormalities were associated with sputum MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio in mild asthma, severe asthma and COPD. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that sputum elastase and the metalloproteinase-9/tissue-inhibitor metalloproteinase-1 ratio are associated with the magnitude of high-resolution computed tomography scan abnormalities of the airways in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and suggests that the levels of these markers reflect the extent of structural changes of the airways.

In vitro effects of flunisolide on MMP-9, TIMP-1, fibronectin, TGF-beta1 release and apoptosis in sputum cells freshly isolated from mild to moderate asthmatics.

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroids play an important role in inflammation and remodelling of airways and are considered an important therapeutic target in asthma. Inflammation in asthma is characterized by a dysregulation of eosinophil apoptosis and of markers of airways remodelling. We evaluated the ability of flunisolide to inhibit in vitro the release of metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), transforming growth factor (TGF-beta) and fibronectin by sputum cells (SC) as well as to induce sputum eosinophil apoptosis. METHODS: The SC, isolated from induced sputum samples of 12 mild-to-moderate asthmatics, were cultured for 24 h in the presence or absence of flunisolide (1, 10 and 100 microM). The release of mediators was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) whereas apoptosis was studied by TUNEL technique. RESULTS: Flunisolide (10 microM) significantly reduced MMP-9 and TIMP-1 (P = 0.0011 and P < 0.0001 respectively) and increased MMP-9/TIMP-1 molar ratio (P = 0.004). In addition, flunisolide decreased TGF-beta and fibronectin release by SC (P = 0.006; and P < 0.0001 respectively) and increased eosinophil apoptosis (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that flunisolide may play an important role in the inhibition of airway inflammation and remodelling, by promoting the resolution of eosinophilic inflammation and by inhibiting the release of MMP-9, TIMP-1, TGF-beta and fibronectin.

Adjustable maintenance dosing with budesonide/formoterol in a single inhaler provides effective asthma symptom control at a lower dose than fixed maintenance dosing.

Asthma guidelines suggest a stepwise approach to maintenance pharmacological treatment of persistent asthma until control is attained, and a 3 month review of the fixed maintenance dosing for step-up or step-down adjustment. This 12-week study compared the efficacy and safety of budesonide/formoterol in a single inhaler (Symbicort Turbuhaler 160/4.5 or 80/4.5 microg) given as adjustable maintenance or fixed maintenance dosing. Patients (n = 2358) were randomised to budesonide/formoterol fixed maintenance dosing (two inhalations bid) or adjustable maintenance dosing (two inhalation bid; stepping up to four inhalations bid if asthma worsened for a maximum of 14 days; stepping down to two inhalations once nocte or one inhalation bid if symptoms were controlled) for 12 weeks, following a 4-week run-in period on budesonide/formoterol two inhalations bid. Primary efficacy variables were frequency of asthma exacerbations and changes in patients' asthma symptom severity. Secondary variables were asthma control, safety and health economics. Both adjustable maintenance dosing and fixed maintenance dosing were associated with similar low frequency of exacerbations (5% both groups; ns) and similarly improved lung function, with similarly fewer nocturnal awakenings and less asthma symptoms compared with the mean value of the run-in period. However, patients on adjustable maintenance dosing used 24% fewer study drug compared with fixed maintenance dosing (2.95 versus 3.86 inhalations daily; p < 0.0001) and incurred in a significant (p <0.0001) reduction in total costs (direct+indirect) compared with fixed maintenance dosing. In conclusion, adjustable maintenance dosing with budesonide/formoterol effectively controls asthma at a reduced drug load with lower costs than fixed maintenance dosing.

Efficacy and tolerability of anti-immunoglobulin E therapy with omalizumab in patients with concomitant allergic asthma and persistent allergic rhinitis: SOLAR.

BACKGROUND: Anti-IgE therapy could be particularly beneficial for patients with concomitant disease as it targets a common factor in both diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of omalizumab in patients with concomitant moderate-to-severe asthma and persistent allergic rhinitis. METHODS: This multicentre, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of omalizumab. A total of 405 patients (12-74 years) with a stable treatment (>/= 400 microg budesonide Turbuhaler) and >/= 2 unscheduled medical visits for asthma during the past year or >/= 3 during the past 2 years were enrolled. Patients received omalizumab (>/= 0.016 mg/kg/IgE [IU/ml] per 4 weeks) or placebo for 28 weeks. RESULTS: Fewer patients treated with omalizumab experienced asthma exacerbations (20.6%) than placebo-treated patients (30.1%), P = 0.02. A clinically significant (>/= 1.0 point) improvement in both Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire and Rhinitis Quality of Life Questionnaire occurred in 57.7% of omalizumab patients compared with 40.6% of placebo patients (P < 0.001). Omalizumab reduced Wasserfallen symptom scores for asthma (P = 0.023), rhinitis (P < 0.001) and the composite asthma/rhinitis scores (P < 0.001) compared with placebo. Serious adverse events were observed in 1.4% of omalizumab-treated patients and 1.5% of placebo-treated patients. CONCLUSION: Omalizumab is well tolerated and effective in preventing asthma exacerbations and improving quality of life in patients with concomitant asthma and persistent allergic rhinitis.

LTB4 is present in exudative pleural effusions and contributes actively to neutrophil recruitment in the inflamed pleural space.

The pleural space is a virtual compartment between the lung and chest wall that becomes filled with fluid and inflammatory cells during a variety of respiratory diseases. Here, we study the potential role of the eicosanoid metabolite leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in disparate diseases leading to acute (pneumonia) or chronic (tuberculosis, cancer) inflammation of the pleural space. LTB4 concentrations were significantly higher in pleural fluid due to pneumonia, tuberculosis and cancer with respect to congestive heart failure and correlated with neutrophil elastase, which is used as an indication of state of activation of neutrophils in the pleural space. Moreover, pleural LTB4 was biologically active, as an anti-LTB4 antibody partially neutralized the chemotactic activity of parapneumonic, tuberculous and cancer effusions. Macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes, mesothelial cells and cancer cells all expressed mRNA for 5-lipoxygenase, the enzyme that initiates leukotriene synthesis leading to the production of LTB4, in exudative pleural effusions. Upon stimulation in transudative pleural effusions, pleural macrophages produced, in a time-dependent fashion, a significantly higher concentration of LTB4 than mesothelial cells. These studies demonstrate that different cell types are capable of producing LTB4 in the inflamed pleural space and that this mediator may play a crucial role in the recruitment of neutrophils into the pleural space.

Inflammatory features of nasal mucosa in smokers with and without COPD.

BACKGROUND: To investigate whether nasal and bronchial inflammation coexists in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), nasal and bronchial biopsy specimens from seven control subjects, seven smokers without COPD, and 14 smokers with COPD were studied. METHODS: Nasal and bronchial biopsy specimens were taken from the same patients during bronchoscopy and squamous cell metaplasia and the thickness of the epithelium and basement membrane were measured. The numbers of eosinophils (EG2), neutrophils (elastase), macrophages (CD68), and CD8 T lymphocytes (CD8/144B) were assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Smokers with and without COPD had squamous metaplasia in the nasal and bronchial epithelium. In all groups the thickness of the nasal epithelium was greater than that of the bronchial epithelium. The thickness of the basement membrane was similar in nasal and bronchial biopsy specimens from smokers with and without COPD, but was greater in the bronchi than in the nasal epithelium of controls. Eosinophil number was higher in the nasal and bronchial mucosa of smokers without COPD than in smokers with COPD or controls. Neutrophil number was higher in the nasal and bronchial mucosa of smokers with COPD than in smokers without COPD or controls. CD8 T lymphocyte numbers were similar in smokers with and without COPD and higher than in controls. There were fewer macrophages in nasal and bronchial biopsy specimens from smokers without COPD than in those with COPD. CONCLUSION: Nasal and bronchial inflammation coexists in smokers and is characterised by infiltration of CD8 T lymphocytes. In smokers without COPD this feature is associated with an increased number of eosinophils, while in those with COPD it is linked to an increased number of neutrophils in both nasal and bronchial biopsy specimens.